Planning a trip to Bali? Don’t stress! We have accumulated the top 10 tips you need to prepare for your trip to Bali from Australia so you have everything you need. From finding affordable flights to choosing the best activities to do once you land, this guide will incorporate both specific and general information.
1. Find Affordable Flights to Bali & Secure Airport Parking
Wherever you are in the world, finding convenient, affordable flights for your trip should be the first stop on your preparation list. The best time to travel to Bali is May, June, August and September as these months will bring you the warmest, most dry weather. Depending on the month you are planning to travel, flight costs will differ.
Below is a table of a list of flight prices departing from Melbourne and Brisbane Airport into Denpasar, Bali Airport during the months of May, June, August, and September using Google Flights, SkyScanner, Expedia, and Kayak. These prices were taken in April for flights in the corresponding months, for a duration of 1 week.
Flight costs from Melbourne → Denpasar
May | June August September | |
Kayak | $549 | $794 $575 $873 |
Expedia | $379 – $465 | $579 $498 $484 |
Skyscanner | $424 | $494 $430 $472 |
Google Flights | $412 | $478 $481 $466 |
Flight costs from Brisbane→ Denpasar
May | June August September | |
Kayak | $457 | $595 $297 $613 |
Expedia | $552 | $736 $736 $591 |
Skyscanner | $396 | $567 $352 $725 |
Google Flights | $473 | $461 $488 $425 |
If you are flying from other airports in Australia like Sydney Airport, Canberra Airport, or Darwin Airport, prices will run similarly to those listed in the table above. It’s important to keep in mind that June & August will likely be the most expensive month to travel to Bali, therefore you should plan to spend costs similar to those listed here.
Melbourne Airport Parking
If you plan to drive to the airport and leave your vehicle there while travelling, be sure to check out Flyparks, an online comparison and booking site for airport car parks across Australia and New Zealand. If you are looking to save on Melbourne Airport Parking, or airport parking for any other major city in Australia and New Zealand, like Brisbane, Sydney, Perth or Auckland, check out their site for the best, most reputable car parks and rates.
2. Prepare your Visa & Passport
To fly into Indonesia, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you are set to arrive in the country. If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA). However, to avoid waiting in queues upon your arrival, it is best to apply for your visa online (e-VOA). If you apply online, you can do so anywhere from 14 days before you arrive, to 48 hours before your flight departs.
Simply search “e-VOA” in Google to be taken to Indoensia’s Immigration website that will walk you through the application process. In only 3 steps, you will be registered! The cost for a visitor visa is approximately $50 AUD.
3. Prepare your vaccination(s)
While children under 18 are not required to be vaccinated to enter Indonesia, it is recommended for all individuals to be up to date with the following vaccinations:
- Chickenpox
- Influenza
- Polio
- Shingles
- Measles-Mumps
- Diphtheria-Tetanus
Additionally, it is important to make sure you have all of your COVID-19 vaccinations, too. Although it’s not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Indonesia, it is recommended and also important to have a copy of your vaccination record in the case you are vaccinated.
4. Choose your activities
Bali has a lot to offer. With that comes a lot of options and opportunities to immerse yourself in the various activities the region offers. We have put together some of our favorite ways to spend anywhere from a week – 4 weeks in Bali.
➔ Go scuba diving with Bali Fun Diving
No trip to Bali is complete without an immersive scuba diving experience, especially with Bali Fun Diving, where you can learn how to scuba dive as a beginner or practice your experienced skills at the Tulamben diving site, where you can see remnants of WWII. No matter your level of experience, there is something for you to enjoy with the tours offered here.
➔ Island Hop
If you are spending a few weeks in Bali, be sure to Island hop to Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, Menjangan Island, Nusa Ceningan, and Gili Trawangan. These islands are a short boat ride away from Bali and each offers a distinct, unique experience.
➔ Hike Up Mt. Batur
The best time to do so is before sunrise. While you will have to get up in the wee hours of the morning (3 am or so), seeing the sunrise at the top of this mountain is completely worth it.
➔ Visit Mason Elephant Sanctuary Bali
If you are an animal lover or simply can appreciate wildlife, this is for you. Mason’s Elephant Sanctuary allows you to have an up close, personal
experience with a few of Bali’s gentle giants.
➔ Experience one of Bali’s best waterfalls
My personal favorite Balinese waterfall is Aling-Aling waterfall. It’s also one of the most popular, and for good reason. At this waterfall, you can find two slides and three jump-off points- 5, 10, and 15 metres. Some even say this is better than going to a water park – I will let you decide that!
➔ Tap a dip in Bali’s renowned hot spring – Toya Devasya
If you already plan to hike Mt. Batur, don’t miss Toya Devasya, a natural infinity hot spring located on the edge of Lake Batur that offers you extraordinary views and nature’s ultimate spa experience.
5. Pack Accordingly
When you are traveling in its peak season, Bali is hot and sunny. It is also a very spiritual and religious region. Therefore it is important to dress accordingly and show respect for Indonesian/Balinese customs. While bathing suits are great for the beaches, be sure to pack the following for the rest of your stay:
- Full coverage sun hat- the UV is no joke
- Garments that cover your shoulders and extend below your knees – especially if you plan to visit temples & monuments, or restaurants and cafes not on the beach
- A raincoat, rain jacket, and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Sandals, flip flops, hiking or tennis shoes
- Comfortable clothes to hike in or get dirty
6. Be Mindful, but not Scared of Bali’s Belly
Bali Belly is real, but not something to be so fearful of that you avoid indulging in some of Bali’s divine cuisine. Be sure to check out all the restaurants and cafes you can, but if you want to err on the side of caution, tread carefully when trying street meat/foods from street vendors that don’t look the cleanest; any raw or undercooked foods (yes, including fish), as well as raw, unpeeled fruits.
7. Prepare your expenses
While it is true that Bali and many other parts of Indonesia are relatively cheap compared to what you would spend in other countries like Australia or in Europe, many parts of the region have acclimated their prices to fit the pockets of tourists. So, while you can be prepared to spend less than what you do in your home country, just know that you probably will still spend a good amount of money, especially if you like to indulge in spa treatments and luxury accommodations.
As a rule of thumb, prepare to spend around $100-150 USD or $150,11-225,16 AUD a day, while traveling in Bali.
The average price of a hotel room in Bali, for a double room, comes to about $149 USD and $223,84 AUD.
Similarly, for two people spending two weeks in Bali, prepare to spend around $3,000 USD, or AUD $4,503.22
8. Learn a few Balinese words
While the vast majority of people you will find in Bali speak English, it is always a good idea to learn a few words before traveling. Doing so will convey respect to the locals you run into and show appreciation for all that you receive and experience while on the island. A few important words to have in your mind are:
- Please – ‘Tolong’
- Thank you – ‘Matur Suksma’
- What’s your name? – ‘Sira Wastane?’
- My name is – ‘Adan Tiang _____’
- How much is this? – ‘Aji kuda niki?’
- Where is the toilet? -’Ring dija WC?’
9. Download WhatsApp, Grab, Google Translate Google Maps, and Exchange Rate App
These apps will take you a long way when traveling in Bali. While it may seem like common sense to have these apps, many often forget to download them and spend way more time than necessary trying to navigate a route or communicate with locals don’t be one of them!
10. Purchase Travel Insurance before traveling to Bali
While you may think you don’t need it, get it. You never know when something will happen that will require you to visit (god forbid) a hospital while you are away. To avoid paying exuberant medical costs, be sure to get travel insurance before you leave. Even if you don’t use it, it is much better to be prepared than to not be. Below are a few highly rated travel insurance companies to purchase with:
- Heymondo Top – $38.18
- Safety Wing Nomad Insurance – $10.50 (with a deductible of $250) ● World Nomad Standard – $66.91
- IMG ITraveInsurredse – $77
Now, you have everything you need to continue on your journey to Bali from Australia. Be sure you don’t forget to book your flights and airport parking well in advance to receive the lowest rates. Additionally, double check that you have everything you need in terms of appropriate attire and necessary documents. Safe traveling!
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